Managing uncomfortable symptoms can be as much of a a demanding routine as walking your dog or taking the long commute to work. But unlike those tasks, discomfort, pain, and stressful ailments can be a constant stressor that challenges your ability to live your fullest life.
Among a long list of treatments you may have tried, have you considered medical cannabis? Many people are skeptical, doubtful, or misinformed about the medical cannabis program. Some believe that having medical care is only for people who want to be high, or only for people who don’t have control over their lives and must “resort” to such things. Or, maybe you assumed you wouldn’t qualify for a medical cannabis card.
Well, Massachusetts has a little-known secret. Anyone in the state who may benefit from medical cannabis has a chance to access the treatment they need. Continue reading to see exactly what we mean and how a cannabis clinic like CED can help you take the next steps.
Who is eligible for medical cannabis in MA?
In Massachusetts, anyone who’s a state resident and has a qualifying condition is eligible for medical cannabis. Your condition must be diagnosed by a certifying cannabis physician, and Dr Caplan happens to have overseen the care of over 280,000 patients on the subject!
Although medical cannabis is technically limited to those who are 18+, minors can be approved provided they have support from their legal guardians and they have recommendations from two physicians (both of which are available, by telemedicine, through CED Clinic).
What are the qualifying conditions for medical cannabis?
There’s an extensive list of qualifying conditions for medical cannabis in Massachusetts, which includes conditions such as cancer, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS and Parkinson’s disease. However, Massachusetts is one of the few states where healthcare providers are empowered to make a personalized medical decision based on the patient and their individual needs, even if the regulations have not explicitly indicated that a condition qualifies. For example, sleepless, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, dependence upon alcohol or tobacco, or over-dependence upon prescribed medications, can all be debilitating conditions. We at CED Clinic have seen patients from each of these categories, and many have found improvements with cannabis-based therapies.
It’s important to note that the Massachusetts cannabis legislation stipulates that you, as a resident, can qualify based on any condition, as long as your certified physician recommends that the benefits of cannabis will outweigh the risks for you.
This provides the opportunity for informed clinicians, like the ones at our cannabis clinic, to use their professional judgment to guide your treatment. Says our own Dr. Caplan, “If a patient is struggling with anxiety, sleeplessness, pain, or seeks to reduce alcohol consumption or the use of nicotine, we can actively support that, and so many people have found life-changing improvements.”
Common conditions treated by CED
The patients we’ve approved for medical cannabis are evidence of this legislation’s effectiveness. These individuals have a range of symptoms not listed under the qualifying conditions in Massachusetts.
Some of the most common diagnoses we’ve treated include:
- Acne
- ADHD / ADD
- ALS
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- Anhedonia (Loss of quality of life)
- Arthritis
- Back Pain (Dorsalgia)
- Body Injury (not otherwise specified)
- Cachexia
- Cancer / Tumor / Malignancy
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
- Crohn’s Disease
- Dementia
- Depression
- Dizziness
- Eczema / Dry skin
- Eating Disorder
- Fibromyalgia
- General Anxiety / Severe Stress
- Glaucoma
- Headache
- Hepatitis C
- HIV / AIDS
- Infections (topical, bacterial, fungal)
- Insomnia (difficulty GETTING to, or STAYING asleep)
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Low Energy
- Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus)
- Menopausal symptoms (Hot flashes, depression, low energy) Migraines
- Movement Disorder
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Muscle Pain / Soreness
- Nausea / Vomiting
- Neuropathy / Nerve Pain
- Parkinson’s Disease Post-trauma pain Psoriasis
- PTSD
- Restless Leg Syndrome Rosacea
- Scoliosis
- Seizures
- Sexual dysfunction / concern Shingles
- Skin burns
- Sleep Apnea
- Social Anxiety
- Substance Dependence, Withdrawal or Craving (alcohol,
- benzodiazepines, nicotine, opiates, excessive medications) Tourette’s Syndrome
- Ulcerative Colitis
Struggling with a medical issue that isn’t included in the state’s list of qualifying conditions? Don’t be discouraged. Contact us or schedule an appointment with CED’s clinicians to discuss your options and determine if medical cannabis is right for you.
Booking a medical cannabis evaluation with CED
Interested in medical cannabis? It’s easy to schedule an appointment. Simply select “Request Appointment” on our website to schedule a telemedicine evaluation (phone or video) at a time that works for you. Alternatively, you can give us a call at (617) 500-3595.
How it works:
During your appointment, you’ll be evaluated by the clinician, who will review your medical history and explain potential applications for medical cannabis. Have questions? We’ll be happy to answer them and address any concerns you have about treatment. One of the unique aspects of CED Clinic is our holistic approach to Medicine, with a longer view of what defines good care. We operate with a mission to care about each person individually, and by the principle that most medical concerns cannot be addressed at/with a single consultation. It is our belief that lasting recovery depends on time and, equally as important, a compassionate journey through healthcare challenges that is patient, collaborative, and adapts to an ever-changing environment
What you’ll need:
To prepare for your appointment, make sure you have the following:
- A valid Massachusetts ID
- A form of payment (cash, Venmo, credit or debit card or check)
- Proof of residency in Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, or other state, if interested in licensure for local access to dispensaries.
Completed an online intake form prior to your evaluation
Have thoughts on this? Share it:
